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Anjo da escuridão
Um rico negociador de artes é brutalmente assassinado em sua mansão: Andrew Jakes está amarrado ao corpo nu de sua jovem e bela esposa, violentamente espancada e estuprada. O detetive Danny McGuire empenha-se na busca do culpado,mas Angela Jakes desaparece depois de doar sua herança. Anos depois, Danny trabalha como agente da Interpol na França quando é procurado por Matt Daley, filho do homem assassinado. Danny não hesita em seguir as evidências que apontam para um único suspeito: uma brilhante assassina que está sempre um passo à frente de todos e que pode estar a um triz de encontrar sua nova vítima.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
654 people are currently reading
5699 people want to read
About the author
Tilly Bagshawe
41 books911 followersMatilda Emily N. Bagshawe was born on 12 June 1973 in England, UK. She attended local all-girls Catholic schools near her family home in Surrey. She was a single mother at 17, but she won a place at Cambridge University and took Persephone, her ten-month-old baby daughter with her. As a journalist, she went on to enjoy a successful career in London, and contributed regularly to The Sunday Times, Daily Mail and Evening Standard, before turning her hand to novels. Her first book, Adored as Tilly Bagshawe, was a smash hit on both sides of the Atlantic in 2005, and she hasn't looked back since.
Tilly is married Robin Nydes, a US businessman, and the couple have two sons together, Zac and Theo. The family divide their time between their homes in London and Los Angeles. Tilly is also the sister of the writer and politician Louise Bagshawe.
Tilly is married Robin Nydes, a US businessman, and the couple have two sons together, Zac and Theo. The family divide their time between their homes in London and Los Angeles. Tilly is also the sister of the writer and politician Louise Bagshawe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 685 reviews
January 20, 2018
Reading serial killer thrillers is a guilty pleasure for me, and for the better or worse, I often indulge in it. I simply love the thrills and the fear that such books offer.
Anyway the book has been authored by Tilly Bagshawe. But, Sidney Sheldon’s name appears in very large face on the cover.
The story started out well. A lone policeman responds to a call what he thought was probably about domestic violence. Now I stop! I leave the rest to your imagination.
A serial killer, code named Azrael – the Angel of Death, has been murdering elderly, recently married millionaires. The victims’ young and beautiful wives are also subjected to rape and brutality. The killings occur across the world.
A documentary-maker enlists the help of an ex-LAPD detective – turned Interpol agent who had also investigated Azrael’s first murder. And, the chase begins.
Similar to any Sidney Sheldon novel, this book also offers thrills, sex, romance and men who can’t control their infatuation. The book is not bad – I would say okayish. To give the author her due – she did try to flesh out some of the characters and create some suspense as well. But, it was easy to see through the plot and parts of the books were a bit too tedious for my tastes.
This book borrows heavily from Tell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon himself. Mind you, the stories are entirely different but certain elements are so similar. Needless to say, the original was so much better than this one. Instead of this book, I would highly recommend Tell Me Your Dreams to thriller lovers who don’t mind sex and gore.
Anyway the book has been authored by Tilly Bagshawe. But, Sidney Sheldon’s name appears in very large face on the cover.
The story started out well. A lone policeman responds to a call what he thought was probably about domestic violence. Now I stop! I leave the rest to your imagination.
A serial killer, code named Azrael – the Angel of Death, has been murdering elderly, recently married millionaires. The victims’ young and beautiful wives are also subjected to rape and brutality. The killings occur across the world.
A documentary-maker enlists the help of an ex-LAPD detective – turned Interpol agent who had also investigated Azrael’s first murder. And, the chase begins.
Similar to any Sidney Sheldon novel, this book also offers thrills, sex, romance and men who can’t control their infatuation. The book is not bad – I would say okayish. To give the author her due – she did try to flesh out some of the characters and create some suspense as well. But, it was easy to see through the plot and parts of the books were a bit too tedious for my tastes.
This book borrows heavily from Tell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon himself. Mind you, the stories are entirely different but certain elements are so similar. Needless to say, the original was so much better than this one. Instead of this book, I would highly recommend Tell Me Your Dreams to thriller lovers who don’t mind sex and gore.
April 27, 2013
Disappointed! This is how i sum up this book. In my opinion, i have more questions than answers after i read this book. The storyline is very predictable and i could figure out the whole story including the MPD stuff halfway through the book.
A lots of stuff goes unanswered:
1) What happened to the Victorian Era Paintings that were stolen from the Jakes place? The detective follows it up to a certain extent and then lets go and we never know what happened.
2) Why were they funneling the money into children's charities and how on earth were they making enough money to get them prepared for the next murder? As far as i could see, the only place where jewelery went missing was from the first murder.Kinda hard to believe that they could afford their jet setting lifestyle without any money!
3) The woman is portrayed as a goddess, no man can apparently resist her charm! I dont think this is true, each individual has their own perceptions about women and beauty is only skin deep!
4) Despite the fact that the lady clearly implicates herself in the murders (which is shown as a major turning point for the prosecution) and the apparent dislike of the jury members, she is found not guilty. Why?
5) Whatever happened to Carlos Hernandez? Why was he killed and by who? Leaves too much to the imagination! Could it be that Lisa was feigning innocence on the stand? Could it mean that Frankie skipped out of jail somehow and killed him? - Not Answered.
Overall this was an average read. The story line has too many huge holes and they do not seem to pull the story together because of the size of these holes.
Honestly, i feel that this book was intended to bash the male species and portray them in bad light and also glorify the female species.
I found myself loathing Lisa and Matt for what they did.
A lots of stuff goes unanswered:
1) What happened to the Victorian Era Paintings that were stolen from the Jakes place? The detective follows it up to a certain extent and then lets go and we never know what happened.
2) Why were they funneling the money into children's charities and how on earth were they making enough money to get them prepared for the next murder? As far as i could see, the only place where jewelery went missing was from the first murder.Kinda hard to believe that they could afford their jet setting lifestyle without any money!
3) The woman is portrayed as a goddess, no man can apparently resist her charm! I dont think this is true, each individual has their own perceptions about women and beauty is only skin deep!
4) Despite the fact that the lady clearly implicates herself in the murders (which is shown as a major turning point for the prosecution) and the apparent dislike of the jury members, she is found not guilty. Why?
5) Whatever happened to Carlos Hernandez? Why was he killed and by who? Leaves too much to the imagination! Could it be that Lisa was feigning innocence on the stand? Could it mean that Frankie skipped out of jail somehow and killed him? - Not Answered.
Overall this was an average read. The story line has too many huge holes and they do not seem to pull the story together because of the size of these holes.
Honestly, i feel that this book was intended to bash the male species and portray them in bad light and also glorify the female species.
I found myself loathing Lisa and Matt for what they did.
June 18, 2023
Sidney Sheldon’s books and those written by Tilly Bagshawe are good entertaining reads. Perfectly ideal for relaxing, and this is one such.
1996, Los Angeles, Andrew Jakes, a well-known art dealer who lived in Hollywood is found brutally murdered and his young wife Angela has been raped. Detective Danny McGuire arrives on the scene and his questioning of Angela is stonewalled by Lyle Renalto, her attorney as she is still in trauma. Angela is keen that she not be seen as profiting from Andrew’s death and donates his riches to charities, though he had willed it to her. She then decides to move on from LA. Danny makes no progress with the case and is frustrated as he had promised Angela that he would see that justice is done.
2006, Lyons, France – Matt Daley is a comedy writer who is still to make it big. He was adopted by Harry Daley, but Andrew Jakes was his biological father. He gets interested in his biological father’s murder and finds that there are two similar cases of murder of older rich men and sexual assault of young wives in London & France. He feels there is a connection. Matt gets in touch with Danny who is now with Interpol in France. Another murder which seems similar happens shortly after in Hong Kong. Danny, who had resigned himself to not solving the Andrew Jakes case is now fully charged and investigates the murders on behalf of Interpol with co-operation from local law enforcement in the respective countries. Their investigation in Hong Kong suggests that the next target would be in Mumbai, India.
This book is very much a light, relaxing read. At about 30%, though there were twists to come, the overall storyline was clear to me, and yet – it was fun to keep reading. There are some minor bloopers in the India section with phrases ‘grand streets of Marathi’ and ‘lights of Marathi’ – ‘Marathi’ being a language and not a place, this is nonsensical. The end has this ‘feel good’ albeit impractical finish, but goes well with the overall tone of the book.
A great book to unwind with!
My rating: 3.25 / 5.
1996, Los Angeles, Andrew Jakes, a well-known art dealer who lived in Hollywood is found brutally murdered and his young wife Angela has been raped. Detective Danny McGuire arrives on the scene and his questioning of Angela is stonewalled by Lyle Renalto, her attorney as she is still in trauma. Angela is keen that she not be seen as profiting from Andrew’s death and donates his riches to charities, though he had willed it to her. She then decides to move on from LA. Danny makes no progress with the case and is frustrated as he had promised Angela that he would see that justice is done.
2006, Lyons, France – Matt Daley is a comedy writer who is still to make it big. He was adopted by Harry Daley, but Andrew Jakes was his biological father. He gets interested in his biological father’s murder and finds that there are two similar cases of murder of older rich men and sexual assault of young wives in London & France. He feels there is a connection. Matt gets in touch with Danny who is now with Interpol in France. Another murder which seems similar happens shortly after in Hong Kong. Danny, who had resigned himself to not solving the Andrew Jakes case is now fully charged and investigates the murders on behalf of Interpol with co-operation from local law enforcement in the respective countries. Their investigation in Hong Kong suggests that the next target would be in Mumbai, India.
This book is very much a light, relaxing read. At about 30%, though there were twists to come, the overall storyline was clear to me, and yet – it was fun to keep reading. There are some minor bloopers in the India section with phrases ‘grand streets of Marathi’ and ‘lights of Marathi’ – ‘Marathi’ being a language and not a place, this is nonsensical. The end has this ‘feel good’ albeit impractical finish, but goes well with the overall tone of the book.
A great book to unwind with!
My rating: 3.25 / 5.
March 25, 2024
"After six years in homicide, it took alot to turn Detective Danny McGuire's stomach. But this had done it".
Sidney Sheldon's Angel of the Dark by Tilly Bagshawe
I have been a Sheldon fan for pretty much forever. Some of his novels, such as Bloodline and The other side of Midnight fall into favorites for me.
This book was really not written by Sheldon. Tilly Bagshawe writes under his name. I enjoyed this book greatly. I have reread too.
So why only a 3 rating? Well..this book is a prime example of when one likes a book..but knows it could have been much better. I mean..there are many books that are incredibly written that for some reason, one does not adore. This is the opposite. It is a book that had some sloppy writing but was still a very good and intense read.
Angel of the dark has much to recommend about it. It is a murder mystery, concerning a "Black widow" of sorts who marries then kills her husbands. At least that is what the authorities think. It is just hard to PROVE it.
The books moves across the world, following a whole host of characters and is mesmerizing in its way. But there is no doubt that some aspects of it are just..umm..not very well done.
SPOILERS:
So as I said I really liked this book so much..until I got to the end. That is where the book lost me completely.
It is unusual for me to take two stars off a book just for the ending. But with Angel of the dark, the ending is illogical. It makes no sense. Plot holes a mile long and none of the questions were answered or they WERE answered but not in a way that made any sense whatsoever.
Do not get me wrong. It was clever. But I did not understand how it could be..the author had specifically led us through Sophia's life and her being controlled by the guy (whose name I have forgot).
There was a whole trial. But more then that, we, the readers are allowed into the heads of the murderers. We see clearly that Sophia's lover is the instigator. Now I do not know if the writer meant to change that and honestly just didn't fill us, the readers in, but going by that, the ending made no sense.
It is implied at the end that Sophia is actually evil and that she killed Carlos. If that is so, what was with the private conversations between Sophia and her lover? (sorry but I really did forget his name). It is shown clearly that he is the sadistic killer. So if the writer wants to change that, then fine but I wish more had been explained to the reader because I had (and still have) absolutely no idea whose idea it was to commit the murders, was it him or her or both?
So at the end..what? Were the conversations all in her mind? In our mind? Who did it? What happened? It was a lame way to end a good and interesting mystery.
And that is the number one issue for me. This just does not happen with Sheldon books. Had Sheldon written the whole thing I think he would have given us an explanation. I just did not understand it. I still want to know exactly what happen ed to Carlos and what becomes of Matt.
Still a good book. I mean..it is compulsively readable. But it so could have been a five star read.
Sidney Sheldon's Angel of the Dark by Tilly Bagshawe
I have been a Sheldon fan for pretty much forever. Some of his novels, such as Bloodline and The other side of Midnight fall into favorites for me.
This book was really not written by Sheldon. Tilly Bagshawe writes under his name. I enjoyed this book greatly. I have reread too.
So why only a 3 rating? Well..this book is a prime example of when one likes a book..but knows it could have been much better. I mean..there are many books that are incredibly written that for some reason, one does not adore. This is the opposite. It is a book that had some sloppy writing but was still a very good and intense read.
Angel of the dark has much to recommend about it. It is a murder mystery, concerning a "Black widow" of sorts who marries then kills her husbands. At least that is what the authorities think. It is just hard to PROVE it.
The books moves across the world, following a whole host of characters and is mesmerizing in its way. But there is no doubt that some aspects of it are just..umm..not very well done.
SPOILERS:
So as I said I really liked this book so much..until I got to the end. That is where the book lost me completely.
It is unusual for me to take two stars off a book just for the ending. But with Angel of the dark, the ending is illogical. It makes no sense. Plot holes a mile long and none of the questions were answered or they WERE answered but not in a way that made any sense whatsoever.
Do not get me wrong. It was clever. But I did not understand how it could be..the author had specifically led us through Sophia's life and her being controlled by the guy (whose name I have forgot).
There was a whole trial. But more then that, we, the readers are allowed into the heads of the murderers. We see clearly that Sophia's lover is the instigator. Now I do not know if the writer meant to change that and honestly just didn't fill us, the readers in, but going by that, the ending made no sense.
It is implied at the end that Sophia is actually evil and that she killed Carlos. If that is so, what was with the private conversations between Sophia and her lover? (sorry but I really did forget his name). It is shown clearly that he is the sadistic killer. So if the writer wants to change that, then fine but I wish more had been explained to the reader because I had (and still have) absolutely no idea whose idea it was to commit the murders, was it him or her or both?
So at the end..what? Were the conversations all in her mind? In our mind? Who did it? What happened? It was a lame way to end a good and interesting mystery.
And that is the number one issue for me. This just does not happen with Sheldon books. Had Sheldon written the whole thing I think he would have given us an explanation. I just did not understand it. I still want to know exactly what happen ed to Carlos and what becomes of Matt.
Still a good book. I mean..it is compulsively readable. But it so could have been a five star read.
November 23, 2012
Dear 'authors' (aka Tilly Bagshawe):
1. Sidney Sheldon is dead. It's a loss but stop trying to claim to be his re-incarnation.
2. If you're claiming to set part of the story in a fucking fabulous city, GET IT RIGHT!! Hong Kong does not have a DLR, it's the MTR. It runs more on time than most other public transport in most major cities. DO NOT CUT DOWN HK PUBLIC TRANSPORT! Your story is not set in Brisbane.
3. STOP WRITING 'Sidney Sheldon' BOOKS YOU FUCKING HACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. Sidney Sheldon is dead. It's a loss but stop trying to claim to be his re-incarnation.
2. If you're claiming to set part of the story in a fucking fabulous city, GET IT RIGHT!! Hong Kong does not have a DLR, it's the MTR. It runs more on time than most other public transport in most major cities. DO NOT CUT DOWN HK PUBLIC TRANSPORT! Your story is not set in Brisbane.
3. STOP WRITING 'Sidney Sheldon' BOOKS YOU FUCKING HACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 12, 2016
Please don't let me hate her, Please don't let me hate her! I was saying this throughout the book and you know what, I do hate her now.
Four men in different countries are murdered within 10 years time. The only common things about those murders are, they are all billionaires, are murdered in the same way and they all have a beautiful wife who is lot younger than them. Determined to find out about the mystery death of his biological father, a son (Matt Daley) of one of the victims gets obsessed about the case that has remained unsolved by the detectives.
Now Ladies and Gentlemen, get ready for some spoilers:
I have lots of questions to this author. Before that, to everyone (including me) who is complaining why she has written Sidney Sheldon's name on the cover, I read it somewhere that she wrote this book out of Mr. Sheldon's scrap notes after he died. Oh , well! This book should never have been written. I feel really bad to give 1 star here but dude, you and I have some business to sort out here-
1. So the whole point of killing was because those old men ignored their wives and children but for God's sake, David Ishag was not even married. He was the most illegible bachelor of India.
2. And what happened to all the jewelry stolen from Andrew Jakes' place?
3. And why are all the money going to Children charity? That is not clear and still why only Lisa didn't give money to charity?
4. And the biggest mystery of all, who killed Carlos Hernandez and why? :O
5. So it turned out that even after Francis is dead, there is a killing going on (Carlos). Is that mean Sophia is the murderer? Ok, I get it that she may have killed him just in case he spill out to police about her escape but that doesn't really prove anything about the previous murders. So, please tell me who is the murderer here?
Only if I hadn't read epilogue then I would have given at least 3 stars. Only if my kindle was lost before I had read epilogue or only if the writer had decided to stop writing just before epilogue began. Seriously, it is one of those times when you go for beer party all the way up to the hill just to know you have forgotten to take the beer with you. That climax was not necessary by the way and it ruined the whole story, not even ruined, it made me hate the writer. There were just too many killings that I think in the middle, the writer herself lost the track of what she needs to focus on. There were too many characters that I sometimes I had to re-read to know who I am reading about. I think she should have had less characters and have sorted them out better. It was really all over the place. God, Sidney, I know you are in heaven now but someone is making a mess down here in your name.
And that stupid Matt, so smitten by lady's fake beauty abandons his pregnant wife. I mean isn't that the whole reason of killing those poor men? Does author want to show men never learn? Only if..... only if I hadn't read that last few pages. If the rumour is true about her writing this story out of Sidney's note, I would say she didn't really understand his handwriting.
This is really annoying that you have more questions than satisfaction after finishing a book. It was really a torture that after finishing it, I became really moody. Now, when I think about it, I am more angry thinking that my first book in New Year turned out like this. My God, I need some ice on my head now!
Four men in different countries are murdered within 10 years time. The only common things about those murders are, they are all billionaires, are murdered in the same way and they all have a beautiful wife who is lot younger than them. Determined to find out about the mystery death of his biological father, a son (Matt Daley) of one of the victims gets obsessed about the case that has remained unsolved by the detectives.
Now Ladies and Gentlemen, get ready for some spoilers:
I have lots of questions to this author. Before that, to everyone (including me) who is complaining why she has written Sidney Sheldon's name on the cover, I read it somewhere that she wrote this book out of Mr. Sheldon's scrap notes after he died. Oh , well! This book should never have been written. I feel really bad to give 1 star here but dude, you and I have some business to sort out here-
1. So the whole point of killing was because those old men ignored their wives and children but for God's sake, David Ishag was not even married. He was the most illegible bachelor of India.
2. And what happened to all the jewelry stolen from Andrew Jakes' place?
3. And why are all the money going to Children charity? That is not clear and still why only Lisa didn't give money to charity?
4. And the biggest mystery of all, who killed Carlos Hernandez and why? :O
5. So it turned out that even after Francis is dead, there is a killing going on (Carlos). Is that mean Sophia is the murderer? Ok, I get it that she may have killed him just in case he spill out to police about her escape but that doesn't really prove anything about the previous murders. So, please tell me who is the murderer here?
Only if I hadn't read epilogue then I would have given at least 3 stars. Only if my kindle was lost before I had read epilogue or only if the writer had decided to stop writing just before epilogue began. Seriously, it is one of those times when you go for beer party all the way up to the hill just to know you have forgotten to take the beer with you. That climax was not necessary by the way and it ruined the whole story, not even ruined, it made me hate the writer. There were just too many killings that I think in the middle, the writer herself lost the track of what she needs to focus on. There were too many characters that I sometimes I had to re-read to know who I am reading about. I think she should have had less characters and have sorted them out better. It was really all over the place. God, Sidney, I know you are in heaven now but someone is making a mess down here in your name.
And that stupid Matt, so smitten by lady's fake beauty abandons his pregnant wife. I mean isn't that the whole reason of killing those poor men? Does author want to show men never learn? Only if..... only if I hadn't read that last few pages. If the rumour is true about her writing this story out of Sidney's note, I would say she didn't really understand his handwriting.
This is really annoying that you have more questions than satisfaction after finishing a book. It was really a torture that after finishing it, I became really moody. Now, when I think about it, I am more angry thinking that my first book in New Year turned out like this. My God, I need some ice on my head now!
May 28, 2012
In 1996 LAPD Homicide Detective Danny McGuire gets a case that will change his life forever. The wealthy Andrew Jakes is murdered and his much younger wife Angela was brutally raped. Haunted by the look in Angela's eyes Danny works at solving the brutal murder. When Danny finds out Angela lied about a something small he goes back to confront her and finds out Angela disappeared. All of Andrew's money was donated to children's charities and she's no where to be found.
Now 10 years later Danny is working with Interpol in France and has put Angela Jakes out of his mind and has found happiness with a fellow officer named Celine. But when he's contacted by Matt Daley his world us turned upside down again. Matt is Andrew Jake's son from a previous marriage and he has evidence that there were more killings just like his father's and each time the young and suddenly wealthy widows disappear. Can Danny convince his boss to re-open the case and will he ever learn what really happened to Angela all those years ago?
I am or should I say was a huge fan of Sidney Sheldon and I have to agree with my initial thoughts on reading Tilly Bagshawe's first Sheldon inspired book, Mistress of the Game. Bagshawe comes close to Sheldon's level but doesn't quite capture the same intensity that he had.
Angel of the Dark had a lot of suspense and pulled me into the story but it fizzled out in the end. It was a little too over the top and I grew to loathe Matt and his obsession. I just wanted to yell at him to get over it already. I do recommend this read if you're a fan of either author but just don't set the bar to high before you turn the first page.
Now 10 years later Danny is working with Interpol in France and has put Angela Jakes out of his mind and has found happiness with a fellow officer named Celine. But when he's contacted by Matt Daley his world us turned upside down again. Matt is Andrew Jake's son from a previous marriage and he has evidence that there were more killings just like his father's and each time the young and suddenly wealthy widows disappear. Can Danny convince his boss to re-open the case and will he ever learn what really happened to Angela all those years ago?
I am or should I say was a huge fan of Sidney Sheldon and I have to agree with my initial thoughts on reading Tilly Bagshawe's first Sheldon inspired book, Mistress of the Game. Bagshawe comes close to Sheldon's level but doesn't quite capture the same intensity that he had.
Angel of the Dark had a lot of suspense and pulled me into the story but it fizzled out in the end. It was a little too over the top and I grew to loathe Matt and his obsession. I just wanted to yell at him to get over it already. I do recommend this read if you're a fan of either author but just don't set the bar to high before you turn the first page.
May 16, 2013
Ok...I'll say it's a 3.5...but then, considering Till is filling the shoes of one of the most read authors, to come up with what she did, makes her deserve a 4...
I can't say it's a page turner...there are few places, where you just want to leave it...n then moments when you can't stop yourself from stealing 2 more minutes n go through yet another page...
I guess I read it somewhere that this novel had the research n notes left behind by Sidney himself...not really sure...and unlike his novels, this one was low on the sexual content (yeah there are brutal rapes...but nothing too descriptive...) and then there is no big mystery per se...we all know who the killer and the partner in crime is...that's where the novel wins..even when it doesn't have the two big things Sidney kept the readers hooked with, this one pulls you in...
Honestly, the ending 40 odd pages are a little confusing...jumping here n there, everywhere...and when you reach the last page, you wish there could be few more (that's when you felt the last hundred pages won't have anything worth reading in them :D )
All in all, a nice effort...and this novel might be getting more stars than a novel actually written by Sidney...but then, it's always tougher to walk in someone else's shoes, rather than your own...
I can't say it's a page turner...there are few places, where you just want to leave it...n then moments when you can't stop yourself from stealing 2 more minutes n go through yet another page...
I guess I read it somewhere that this novel had the research n notes left behind by Sidney himself...not really sure...and unlike his novels, this one was low on the sexual content (yeah there are brutal rapes...but nothing too descriptive...) and then there is no big mystery per se...we all know who the killer and the partner in crime is...that's where the novel wins..even when it doesn't have the two big things Sidney kept the readers hooked with, this one pulls you in...
Honestly, the ending 40 odd pages are a little confusing...jumping here n there, everywhere...and when you reach the last page, you wish there could be few more (that's when you felt the last hundred pages won't have anything worth reading in them :D )
All in all, a nice effort...and this novel might be getting more stars than a novel actually written by Sidney...but then, it's always tougher to walk in someone else's shoes, rather than your own...
July 24, 2017
An amusing read, it must be said. A baffling delight and an unsolved wrongdoing are catnip an intense universal criminologist can't help it.
At the point when LAPD analyst Danny Maguire touches base at a wrongdoing scene, his life is always showed signs of change. The merciless murder of craftsmanship merchant Andrew Jakes is whimsical—a portion of the undeniable plunder is left, while various uncommon miniatures are stolen. Be that as it may, it's Jakes' dowager, the dazzling Angela Jakes, who gets to Maguire. In spite of having been ruthlessly assaulted and beaten, she is a knockout—the most excellent lady Maguire has ever observed—and he pledges to retaliate for her. In any case, before he can truly get the opportunity to work, Angela vanishes, and none of the untruths she let him know give some insight. Not until some other time, when Maguire has modified his life in France, does the case appear to wake up once more. Jakes' unacknowledged child has a lead, and soon, a few apparently copycat violations are driving Maguire to Rome, Hong Kong and Dubai. For each situation, an affluent, elderly man is killed, and his more youthful shocking spouse is attacked. In spite of the geographic appropriation of the assaults, there are interesting likenesses, and after a short time, Maguire is persuaded he's on the trail of one satanic executioner.
At the point when LAPD analyst Danny Maguire touches base at a wrongdoing scene, his life is always showed signs of change. The merciless murder of craftsmanship merchant Andrew Jakes is whimsical—a portion of the undeniable plunder is left, while various uncommon miniatures are stolen. Be that as it may, it's Jakes' dowager, the dazzling Angela Jakes, who gets to Maguire. In spite of having been ruthlessly assaulted and beaten, she is a knockout—the most excellent lady Maguire has ever observed—and he pledges to retaliate for her. In any case, before he can truly get the opportunity to work, Angela vanishes, and none of the untruths she let him know give some insight. Not until some other time, when Maguire has modified his life in France, does the case appear to wake up once more. Jakes' unacknowledged child has a lead, and soon, a few apparently copycat violations are driving Maguire to Rome, Hong Kong and Dubai. For each situation, an affluent, elderly man is killed, and his more youthful shocking spouse is attacked. In spite of the geographic appropriation of the assaults, there are interesting likenesses, and after a short time, Maguire is persuaded he's on the trail of one satanic executioner.
April 15, 2015
I love Sheldon, don't get me wrong. I love his works so much that when I found out he died way back 2007 (I think) my literary heart shriveled.
But this book. A work that's combination of Sidney Sheldon and Tilly Bagshawe's work,I love it. I hate it. It reminds me of Sheldon's work (well, duh). And it irritates me that he's not around anymore.
I'm a fan of Miss Bagshawe, but I gotta ask this.
Sidney Sheldon, other than known as the Master of the Unexpected is also well-known as the type of author who knows the importance of "closure". So why is it that Danny McGuire didn't get one in this book?! I was waiting for the part where I will read what happens in his life after the trial.
But nooooooo. There's none. The last chapters of the book focuses solely on the Matt's side of the story,which still irks the hell out of me, by the way.
I understand that some of Mr. Sheldon's book doesn't have a happy ending, but a character , an important one albeit, has none? Que horror
But this book. A work that's combination of Sidney Sheldon and Tilly Bagshawe's work,I love it. I hate it. It reminds me of Sheldon's work (well, duh). And it irritates me that he's not around anymore.
I'm a fan of Miss Bagshawe, but I gotta ask this.
Sidney Sheldon, other than known as the Master of the Unexpected is also well-known as the type of author who knows the importance of "closure". So why is it that Danny McGuire didn't get one in this book?! I was waiting for the part where I will read what happens in his life after the trial.
But nooooooo. There's none. The last chapters of the book focuses solely on the Matt's side of the story,which still irks the hell out of me, by the way.
I understand that some of Mr. Sheldon's book doesn't have a happy ending, but a character , an important one albeit, has none? Que horror
April 17, 2013
A big disappointment in the name of Sheldon.
August 31, 2016
+4
Очень скептически была настроена относительно этой книжки, но нет. Автор смогла завернуть историю, удивить. До Шелдона ей еще расти и расти. Очень однотипные герои выходит из под пера Тилли, мастер Шелдон таким не грешил. Но в целом мне понравилось. Читалось легко и главное сюжет увлекательный.
Очень скептически была настроена относительно этой книжки, но нет. Автор смогла завернуть историю, удивить. До Шелдона ей еще расти и расти. Очень однотипные герои выходит из под пера Тилли, мастер Шелдон таким не грешил. Но в целом мне понравилось. Читалось легко и главное сюжет увлекательный.
January 6, 2017
I have read all of Sidney Sheldon’s books and I’m a huge fan of his work. Once I finished reading all of his books, I didn’t know where else to start. Luckily, Tilly continued his work. But we can’t expect her to completely fill Sidney’s shoes. But she has done a very good job.
This story is about a series of four murders across the world and the chase for the murderers by LAPD turned Interpol Detective Danny McGuire and Matt Daley, one of the victim’s son.
After the first quarter of the book, the ending was very predictable. We could easily guess the Culprits. But the book was still a page turner. The plot is astounding.
The ending left me a bit confused. This is usual with all of Sidney’s books. He leaves a lot to the imagination of the reader.
Even though the story was very engaging, it had many plot holes and many questions are unanswered. So I gave it 3 stars.
This story is about a series of four murders across the world and the chase for the murderers by LAPD turned Interpol Detective Danny McGuire and Matt Daley, one of the victim’s son.
After the first quarter of the book, the ending was very predictable. We could easily guess the Culprits. But the book was still a page turner. The plot is astounding.
The ending left me a bit confused. This is usual with all of Sidney’s books. He leaves a lot to the imagination of the reader.
Even though the story was very engaging, it had many plot holes and many questions are unanswered. So I gave it 3 stars.
October 19, 2019
Uzbudljiva priča, ali nije bilo potrebe za ovakvim krajem. Ipak, ideja je luda!
"Ovo je svet u kome pas jede psa, inspektore, a moj Pirs je bio sjebani doberman sa lošim zubima."
"Oduvek sam volela vodu." ... "U njoj je sloboda. Tišina. Bestežinsko stanje. Niko tu ne može da vas dodirne. Niko ne može da vas povredi. Ja tako zamišljam smrt."
...
Baš tamo gde bi trebalo da ju je strah, kod nje je bila čudna, fatalna aura smirenosti. Zavideo joj je.
November 3, 2012
I have a problem with an author trying to write like a deceased author, and then marketing the book under both their names. That seems cheap to me. I didn't realize that was what had happened here til after I read the book. I figured that perhaps old manuscripts had been found posthumously and were then polished and printed, but that is not the case. So, I am irritated by this book.
The story, however, was a good one that I enjoyed very much. If Tilly Bagshawe had just published it herself, I'd give it 4 stars and go out and get another of hers. But, I am irritated.
The story, however, was a good one that I enjoyed very much. If Tilly Bagshawe had just published it herself, I'd give it 4 stars and go out and get another of hers. But, I am irritated.
September 7, 2016
Početak je bio stvarno dobar. Mislila sam da će ova knjiga postati jedna od mojih omiljenih. Nažalost, jako sam se razočarala. Knjiga je jako predvidljiva, ostavila je dosta pitanja čije odgovore mogu samo da nagađam, a još epilog - samo me je zbunio!
May 31, 2019
This book is about not one , not two , but series of murders and rape that are happening around the globe and Interpol Officer Danny takes up the task to catch the killer in the act.
Tilly Bagshawe perfectly reflects the writing style of Sidney Sheldon, but with twists !
I picked up this one thinking , it may be a sequel to Rage of Angels
The storyline exactly does not reflect the central theme of Sheldon though. But enjoyed the book.
There were some lapses in the plot , that remained unfilled.
What thrilled me was the final chase , as it happened in India and I could connect with places, the plot mentioned. Although Tilly, should work on Indian names :D. Indians are not named as she mentioned in the book.
If you are Sheldon admirer, this book will keep you turning the pages !!!
Tilly Bagshawe perfectly reflects the writing style of Sidney Sheldon, but with twists !
I picked up this one thinking , it may be a sequel to Rage of Angels
The storyline exactly does not reflect the central theme of Sheldon though. But enjoyed the book.
There were some lapses in the plot , that remained unfilled.
What thrilled me was the final chase , as it happened in India and I could connect with places, the plot mentioned. Although Tilly, should work on Indian names :D. Indians are not named as she mentioned in the book.
If you are Sheldon admirer, this book will keep you turning the pages !!!
January 6, 2022
Veoma napet triler, ali je do samog kraja istraga odugovlačena. Kraj knjige je šokantan i veoma iznenadjujuć. Ali ne mogu joj dati čistu 4 - vorku, jer mi je baš bilo teško na početku i ništa me nije podsticalo da nastavim sa čitanjem, ali se sredinom očigledno to poboljšalo.
Rate: 3,80 🌕🌕🌕🌖
Rate: 3,80 🌕🌕🌕🌖
May 19, 2012
It was his first big murder case—and one of the bloodiest and most violent crimes LAPD detective Danny McGuire would ever encounter. Andrew Jakes, an elderly multimillionaire art dealer, had been brutally murdered in his Hollywood home, his lifeless body tied to his naked young wife. Raped and beaten, the lovely Angela Jakes had barely survived the attack herself. Gazing into her deep, soulful eyes, Danny swore that he'd find the psychopath behind this barbarous act. But the investigation didn't turn up a single solid lead, and within days of Angela's release from the hospital, the stunning young widow—Danny's only witness—had vanished.
For ten years Danny McGuire could not forget the sweet face of Angela Jakes and the terrible crime that had shattered her life; his obsession with her nearly cost him his sanity. Now in France, thousands of miles from the past—with a new life, a new job with Interpol, and a ravishing new wife—he's happier than he's ever been . . . until he meets Andrew Jakes's estranged son, Matt Daley.
Curious about his father's murder, Matt has been digging into the cold case—and made some shocking discoveries. Three killings nearly identical to his father's have taken place across the globe. The victims were elderly, newlywed millionaires, their young wives assaulted. And in each case the widow, the sole beneficiary of the will, donated her newfound wealth to children's charities and then vanished. Could it be true? Had the Jakes killer struck again? If so, Danny knows he must tread carefully or risk losing everything for good.
The evidence points to a single killer—a brilliant and ruthless criminal who travels across the globe under a string of assumed identities, cleverly keeping one step ahead of the law. Joining forces, Danny and Matt pursue this intriguing shadow from Los Angeles to London, New York to Italy and the French Riviera, in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse filled with promising leads and frustrating dead ends. When another murder fitting the profile occurs, Matt heads to Hong Kong, hoping to get answers from the latest widow, Lisa Baring, and perhaps uncover the hard evidence they need.
But Matt becomes besotted with the irresistible beauty, nearly derailing the investigation, and Danny wonders whether Lisa is truly a victim or something more sinister. When a break in the case sends Danny to Mumbai, he knows he must act quickly, for the clever killer is poised to strike again.
Sidney Sheldon's Angel of the Dark is a twisted, mysterious and altogether contagious novel. I was hooked the moment I picked it up even as I waded through the lies, violence, and graphic murders. The plot line was excellently developed. The author left the reader as completely in the dark as the main characters as the book progressed. There were several unexpected twists in the novel. The ending was completely surprising and made me sit back and simply say "WOW!".
The characters, especially the Angel of the Dark, were extremely well developed. The Angel was such a mystery. Her characteristics were surprising and her gall unbelievable. Matt Daley was love besotted to the nth degree, and I could only pity him. I was glad that Danny, the only light of reason in the entire book, was part of the novel, for he was the only normal person in the novel at times.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel, but it did leave me with an weird taste in my mouth and the pure evil and darkness that resides and is acted upon in some people. I would only recommend it to readers who enjoy a good mystery yet are not put off by violence and graphic murders.
For ten years Danny McGuire could not forget the sweet face of Angela Jakes and the terrible crime that had shattered her life; his obsession with her nearly cost him his sanity. Now in France, thousands of miles from the past—with a new life, a new job with Interpol, and a ravishing new wife—he's happier than he's ever been . . . until he meets Andrew Jakes's estranged son, Matt Daley.
Curious about his father's murder, Matt has been digging into the cold case—and made some shocking discoveries. Three killings nearly identical to his father's have taken place across the globe. The victims were elderly, newlywed millionaires, their young wives assaulted. And in each case the widow, the sole beneficiary of the will, donated her newfound wealth to children's charities and then vanished. Could it be true? Had the Jakes killer struck again? If so, Danny knows he must tread carefully or risk losing everything for good.
The evidence points to a single killer—a brilliant and ruthless criminal who travels across the globe under a string of assumed identities, cleverly keeping one step ahead of the law. Joining forces, Danny and Matt pursue this intriguing shadow from Los Angeles to London, New York to Italy and the French Riviera, in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse filled with promising leads and frustrating dead ends. When another murder fitting the profile occurs, Matt heads to Hong Kong, hoping to get answers from the latest widow, Lisa Baring, and perhaps uncover the hard evidence they need.
But Matt becomes besotted with the irresistible beauty, nearly derailing the investigation, and Danny wonders whether Lisa is truly a victim or something more sinister. When a break in the case sends Danny to Mumbai, he knows he must act quickly, for the clever killer is poised to strike again.
Sidney Sheldon's Angel of the Dark is a twisted, mysterious and altogether contagious novel. I was hooked the moment I picked it up even as I waded through the lies, violence, and graphic murders. The plot line was excellently developed. The author left the reader as completely in the dark as the main characters as the book progressed. There were several unexpected twists in the novel. The ending was completely surprising and made me sit back and simply say "WOW!".
The characters, especially the Angel of the Dark, were extremely well developed. The Angel was such a mystery. Her characteristics were surprising and her gall unbelievable. Matt Daley was love besotted to the nth degree, and I could only pity him. I was glad that Danny, the only light of reason in the entire book, was part of the novel, for he was the only normal person in the novel at times.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel, but it did leave me with an weird taste in my mouth and the pure evil and darkness that resides and is acted upon in some people. I would only recommend it to readers who enjoy a good mystery yet are not put off by violence and graphic murders.
July 30, 2017
|| রিভিউ ||
বই : অ্যাঞ্জেল অব দ্য ডার্ক
মূল : সিডনি শেলডন
কাহিনি বিন্যাস : টিলি ব্যাগশ
রূপান্তর : অনীশ দাস অপু
প্রকাশক : অনিন্দ্য প্রকাশ
প্রকাশকাল : ফেব্রুয়ারি, ২০১৪
ঘরানা : সাইকোলজিক্যাল থ্রিলার/মার্ডার মিস্ট্রি
পৃষ্ঠা : ৩০৪
প্রচ্ছদ : ধ্রুব এষ
মুদ্রিত মূল্য : ৫০০ টাকা
শান্ত নিস্তরঙ্গ এক রাতে আমেরিকার হলিউডে বসবাসরত এক বৃদ্ধ মাল্টিমিলিওনিয়ার বিভৎসভাবে খুন হলো। লোকটার রক্তাক্ত লাশের সাথে বাঁধা অবস্থায় পাওয়া গেলো তার তরুণী স্ত্রীকে। ভয়ঙ্কর সব নির্যাতনের চিহ্ন সেই মেয়েটার পুরো শরীরজুড়ে। পাশবিক নির্যাতনই শুধু না, তাকে ধর্ষণও করা হয়েছে।
ডিটেকটিভ ডেনি ম্যাকগুইয়ার নেমে পড়লো এই নারকীয় ঘটনার তদন্তে। খুন হয়ে যাওয়া বৃদ্ধ মাল্টিমিলিয়নিয়ার অ্যান্ড্রু জেকসের ধর্ষিতা স্ত্রীর চোখে চোখ পড়তেই তোলপাড় শুরু হলো ডেনি'র মনোজগতে। যে নরপশু এই ঘটনার জন্য দায়ী, তাকে খুঁজে বের করে সর্বোচ্চ শাস্তি নিশ্চিত করার জন্য উঠেপড়ে লাগলো সে। কিন্তু অদ্ভুত একটা ঘটনা ঘটলো তারপরেই। মিসেস জেকস যেন হাওয়ায় মিলিয়ে গেলো পুরোপুরি। কোন চিহ্নই রইলোনা তার।
নিউইয়র্কের এই অখ্যাত এতিমখানায় বেড়ে উঠতে থাকা দুই কিশোর-কিশোরি এক অদ্ভুত ফ্যান্টাসির জগতে বসবাস করছে। মেয়েটা নিজেকে মরক্কোর রাজবংশের বংশধর সোফিয়া বাস্তা মনে করে। হঠাৎ করে পাওয়া একটা পুরোনো ডায়েরির পাতায় লেখা এক বিয়োগান্তক প্রেমকাহিনি তাকে হাসায় কাঁদায় প্রতিনিয়ত। আর মেয়েটার এই হাসিকান্নায় শরীক হয় তার ওপর সর্বদা ছায়া হয়ে থাকা সুদর্শন কিশোর ফ্রাংকি মানচিনি। এই অবিশ্বাস্য ডায়েরির গল্প তাদের দুজনকে কতোদূর নিয়ে যাবে, জানেনা তারা।
বিভৎস খুনের ঘটনা কিন্তু থেমে থাকলোনা। সারা বিশ্বের বিভিন্ন জায়গায় সংঘটিত হতে লাগলো খুনগুলো। আর সবক্ষেত্রেই ভিকটিম অত্যন্ত ধনী প্রৌঢ়। আর সেই সাথে খুনের পরপর খুনী পৈশাচিকভাবে ধর্ষণ করলো তাদের সুন্দরী ও তরুণী স্ত্রীদের। খুনের ও খুনপরবর্তী সময়ে সংঘটিত ঘটনাগুলোর প্যাটার্ন আশ্চর্যজনকভাবে একইরকম।
বহুদিন আগে যে কেস অমীমাংসিত অবস্থায় রেখে নিজেকে গুটিয়ে নিয়েছিলো ডিটেকটিভ ডেনি ম্যাকগুইয়ার, হঠাৎ-ই সেই কেস রি-ওপেন করতে বাধ্য হলো সে। ম্যাট ডেলি, পাগলাটে গোছের এক কমেডি স্ক্রিপরাইটার তার বায়োলজিক্যাল পিতার হত্যারহস্য ভেদ করতে বদ্ধপরিকর। সে ওতপ্রোতভাবে জড়িয়ে গেলো এই অব্যাখ্যাত খুনগুলোর সাথে। আর সেই সাথে আন্তর্জাতিক পর্যায়ে তদন্ত শুরু হলো। নাক গলালো ইন্টারপোল। একজন মানসিকভাবে বিকারগ্রস্ত খুনী আর কিছু রহস্যময় অন্তর্ধানের রহস্যের সমাধান করতে মরিয়া হয়ে উঠলো কিছু মানুষ। আর সবশেষে সত্য এমন একটা ভীষণ চেহারা নিয়ে সামনে উপস্থিত হলো, যা স্থবির করে দিলো সবকিছু।
ব্যক্তিগত মতামত : মাস্টার স্টোরিটেলার সিডনি শেলডনের প্লট আউটলাইনকে ডেভেলপ করে 'অ্যাঞ্জেল অব দ্য ডার্ক' লিখেছেন তাঁর যোগ্য উত্তরসূরি টিলি ব্যাগশ। এই উপন্যাসের একেবারে প্রথম অধ্যায় থেকে শুরু করে একেবারে শেষ অধ্যায় পর্যন্ত অনুভব করেছি রোমাঞ্চের যুগপৎ আসাযাওয়া। সিডনি শেলডনের উপন্যাসগুলোতে যৌনতা থাকবেই। এই বইয়েও ছিলো। তবে আধিক্য বলতে যা বোঝায় সেভাবে না। কাহিনির প্রয়োজনেই যৌনতা এসেছে। তবে অপ্রাপ্তবয়স্কদের না পড়াই ভালো।
'অ্যাঞ্জেল অব দ্য ডার্ক'-এর সর্বশেষ ট্যুইস্টটা একেবারেই অভাবনীয় ছিলো। তবে মাঝামাঝি দিকে এসে আমি সম্ভাব্য খুনী ও তার পারিপার্শ্বিক ব্যাপারগুলো আন্দাজ করার চেষ্টা করছিলাম অবচেতন মনেই। সেটা মিলেও গেছে। যখন ভাবছি, সব ট্যুইস্ট তো শেষ-ই। এবার আর কি! আর ঠিক তখনই 'ওস্তাদের মার'। ব্যাপারটা উপভোগও করেছি বটে।
অনীশ দাস অপুর রূপান্তর নিয়ে নতুন করে বলার কিছু নেই। বাংলা ভাষাভাষী পাঠকদেরকে সিডনি শেলডনের জাদুকরী রোমাঞ্চ উপন্যাসগুলোর সাথে পরিচিত করার জন্য তাঁর প্রতি কৃতজ্ঞতা। রূপান্তরকর্ম তখনই সার্থক হয়, যখন সেখানে সাবলীলতার অনন্য উপস্থিতি অনুভব করা যায়। 'অ্যাঞ্জেল অব দ্য ডার্ক' সেই ধারা অব্যাহত রেখেছে দারুনভাবে।
ধ্রুব এষের প্রচ্ছদ মোটামুটি ভালোই লেগেছে। শেলডন ভক্তরা অলরেডি বইটা পড়ে ফেলেছেন। যারা পড়েননি, আমন্ত্রণ রইলো পড়ে দেখার।
রেটিং : ৪/৫
© শুভাগত দীপ
(৩০ জুলাই, ২০১৭)
বই : অ্যাঞ্জেল অব দ্য ডার্ক
মূল : সিডনি শেলডন
কাহিনি বিন্যাস : টিলি ব্যাগশ
রূপান্তর : অনীশ দাস অপু
প্রকাশক : অনিন্দ্য প্রকাশ
প্রকাশকাল : ফেব্রুয়ারি, ২০১৪
ঘরানা : সাইকোলজিক্যাল থ্রিলার/মার্ডার মিস্ট্রি
পৃষ্ঠা : ৩০৪
প্রচ্ছদ : ধ্রুব এষ
মুদ্রিত মূল্য : ৫০০ টাকা
শান্ত নিস্তরঙ্গ এক রাতে আমেরিকার হলিউডে বসবাসরত এক বৃদ্ধ মাল্টিমিলিওনিয়ার বিভৎসভাবে খুন হলো। লোকটার রক্তাক্ত লাশের সাথে বাঁধা অবস্থায় পাওয়া গেলো তার তরুণী স্ত্রীকে। ভয়ঙ্কর সব নির্যাতনের চিহ্ন সেই মেয়েটার পুরো শরীরজুড়ে। পাশবিক নির্যাতনই শুধু না, তাকে ধর্ষণও করা হয়েছে।
ডিটেকটিভ ডেনি ম্যাকগুইয়ার নেমে পড়লো এই নারকীয় ঘটনার তদন্তে। খুন হয়ে যাওয়া বৃদ্ধ মাল্টিমিলিয়নিয়ার অ্যান্ড্রু জেকসের ধর্ষিতা স্ত্রীর চোখে চোখ পড়তেই তোলপাড় শুরু হলো ডেনি'র মনোজগতে। যে নরপশু এই ঘটনার জন্য দায়ী, তাকে খুঁজে বের করে সর্বোচ্চ শাস্তি নিশ্চিত করার জন্য উঠেপড়ে লাগলো সে। কিন্তু অদ্ভুত একটা ঘটনা ঘটলো তারপরেই। মিসেস জেকস যেন হাওয়ায় মিলিয়ে গেলো পুরোপুরি। কোন চিহ্নই রইলোনা তার।
নিউইয়র্কের এই অখ্যাত এতিমখানায় বেড়ে উঠতে থাকা দুই কিশোর-কিশোরি এক অদ্ভুত ফ্যান্টাসির জগতে বসবাস করছে। মেয়েটা নিজেকে মরক্কোর রাজবংশের বংশধর সোফিয়া বাস্তা মনে করে। হঠাৎ করে পাওয়া একটা পুরোনো ডায়েরির পাতায় লেখা এক বিয়োগান্তক প্রেমকাহিনি তাকে হাসায় কাঁদায় প্রতিনিয়ত। আর মেয়েটার এই হাসিকান্নায় শরীক হয় তার ওপর সর্বদা ছায়া হয়ে থাকা সুদর্শন কিশোর ফ্রাংকি মানচিনি। এই অবিশ্বাস্য ডায়েরির গল্প তাদের দুজনকে কতোদূর নিয়ে যাবে, জানেনা তারা।
বিভৎস খুনের ঘটনা কিন্তু থেমে থাকলোনা। সারা বিশ্বের বিভিন্ন জায়গায় সংঘটিত হতে লাগলো খুনগুলো। আর সবক্ষেত্রেই ভিকটিম অত্যন্ত ধনী প্রৌঢ়। আর সেই সাথে খুনের পরপর খুনী পৈশাচিকভাবে ধর্ষণ করলো তাদের সুন্দরী ও তরুণী স্ত্রীদের। খুনের ও খুনপরবর্তী সময়ে সংঘটিত ঘটনাগুলোর প্যাটার্ন আশ্চর্যজনকভাবে একইরকম।
বহুদিন আগে যে কেস অমীমাংসিত অবস্থায় রেখে নিজেকে গুটিয়ে নিয়েছিলো ডিটেকটিভ ডেনি ম্যাকগুইয়ার, হঠাৎ-ই সেই কেস রি-ওপেন করতে বাধ্য হলো সে। ম্যাট ডেলি, পাগলাটে গোছের এক কমেডি স্ক্রিপরাইটার তার বায়োলজিক্যাল পিতার হত্যারহস্য ভেদ করতে বদ্ধপরিকর। সে ওতপ্রোতভাবে জড়িয়ে গেলো এই অব্যাখ্যাত খুনগুলোর সাথে। আর সেই সাথে আন্তর্জাতিক পর্যায়ে তদন্ত শুরু হলো। নাক গলালো ইন্টারপোল। একজন মানসিকভাবে বিকারগ্রস্ত খুনী আর কিছু রহস্যময় অন্তর্ধানের রহস্যের সমাধান করতে মরিয়া হয়ে উঠলো কিছু মানুষ। আর সবশেষে সত্য এমন একটা ভীষণ চেহারা নিয়ে সামনে উপস্থিত হলো, যা স্থবির করে দিলো সবকিছু।
ব্যক্তিগত মতামত : মাস্টার স্টোরিটেলার সিডনি শেলডনের প্লট আউটলাইনকে ডেভেলপ করে 'অ্যাঞ্জেল অব দ্য ডার্ক' লিখেছেন তাঁর যোগ্য উত্তরসূরি টিলি ব্যাগশ। এই উপন্যাসের একেবারে প্রথম অধ্যায় থেকে শুরু করে একেবারে শেষ অধ্যায় পর্যন্ত অনুভব করেছি রোমাঞ্চের যুগপৎ আসাযাওয়া। সিডনি শেলডনের উপন্যাসগুলোতে যৌনতা থাকবেই। এই বইয়েও ছিলো। তবে আধিক্য বলতে যা বোঝায় সেভাবে না। কাহিনির প্রয়োজনেই যৌনতা এসেছে। তবে অপ্রাপ্তবয়স্কদের না পড়াই ভালো।
'অ্যাঞ্জেল অব দ্য ডার্ক'-এর সর্বশেষ ট্যুইস্টটা একেবারেই অভাবনীয় ছিলো। তবে মাঝামাঝি দিকে এসে আমি সম্ভাব্য খুনী ও তার পারিপার্শ্বিক ব্যাপারগুলো আন্দাজ করার চেষ্টা করছিলাম অবচেতন মনেই। সেটা মিলেও গেছে। যখন ভাবছি, সব ট্যুইস্ট তো শেষ-ই। এবার আর কি! আর ঠিক তখনই 'ওস্তাদের মার'। ব্যাপারটা উপভোগও করেছি বটে।
অনীশ দাস অপুর রূপান্তর নিয়ে নতুন করে বলার কিছু নেই। বাংলা ভাষাভাষী পাঠকদেরকে সিডনি শেলডনের জাদুকরী রোমাঞ্চ উপন্যাসগুলোর সাথে পরিচিত করার জন্য তাঁর প্রতি কৃতজ্ঞতা। রূপান্তরকর্ম তখনই সার্থক হয়, যখন সেখানে সাবলীলতার অনন্য উপস্থিতি অনুভব করা যায়। 'অ্যাঞ্জেল অব দ্য ডার্ক' সেই ধারা অব্যাহত রেখেছে দারুনভাবে।
ধ্রুব এষের প্রচ্ছদ মোটামুটি ভালোই লেগেছে। শেলডন ভক্তরা অলরেডি বইটা পড়ে ফেলেছেন। যারা পড়েননি, আমন্ত্রণ রইলো পড়ে দেখার।
রেটিং : ৪/৫
© শুভাগত দীপ
(৩০ জুলাই, ২০১৭)
December 18, 2013
1. Sidney Sheldon's Angel of the Dark
2. Tilly Bagshawe
3. Danny McGuire, a Los Angeles detective, was called to a scene with a millionaire harshly killed and his wife raped. The person who committed the crime couldn't be found. Several years later, multiple cases very similar to this one was occurring all over the world. One of the victim's sons, Matt Daley, and Danny McGuire make it a mission to solve this case and find whoever committed these crimes along with what happened to all the wives who mysteriously disappeared after their rape and their husbands death.
4. Two things kept appearing throughout the entire book. Betrayal and manipulation are two motifs in this novel. Toward the end of the story, Matt Daley married a girl named Claire. She got pregnant, yet Matt left her to run off with his lover he met while trying to search for the suspect in these crimes. "We could do it up together, make it our own. You have to admit it's a romantic house. Just think how happy we'd be there!" Matt said to his mistress he ran away with (p. 291). Matt was unfaithful and disloyal to his wife Claire. The second motif seen was manipulation. "You don't know Lisa, okay? I do. She would never have cheated on Miles. She just isn't that sort of person," Matt tried to convince Danny on page 132. Danny responded on page 134, "I meant, using you for information. You know as much about these murders as the police, if not more. If Lisa's boyfriend was behind them..." Manipulation can also be seen throughout the book once we find out at the end that the wives of all these millionaires was actually the same person. She would marry one guy and then help kill him. Next, she would get surgery change her appearance and then learn a new language so she could "fall in love" with another millionaire and then kill him.
5. This book would appeal to a broad audience. I think any teenager or adult who likes even a little bit of adventure, action, or mystery would enjoy this book. It was very entertaining. At times it was predictable, but at other times I didn't want to put it down.
2. Tilly Bagshawe
3. Danny McGuire, a Los Angeles detective, was called to a scene with a millionaire harshly killed and his wife raped. The person who committed the crime couldn't be found. Several years later, multiple cases very similar to this one was occurring all over the world. One of the victim's sons, Matt Daley, and Danny McGuire make it a mission to solve this case and find whoever committed these crimes along with what happened to all the wives who mysteriously disappeared after their rape and their husbands death.
4. Two things kept appearing throughout the entire book. Betrayal and manipulation are two motifs in this novel. Toward the end of the story, Matt Daley married a girl named Claire. She got pregnant, yet Matt left her to run off with his lover he met while trying to search for the suspect in these crimes. "We could do it up together, make it our own. You have to admit it's a romantic house. Just think how happy we'd be there!" Matt said to his mistress he ran away with (p. 291). Matt was unfaithful and disloyal to his wife Claire. The second motif seen was manipulation. "You don't know Lisa, okay? I do. She would never have cheated on Miles. She just isn't that sort of person," Matt tried to convince Danny on page 132. Danny responded on page 134, "I meant, using you for information. You know as much about these murders as the police, if not more. If Lisa's boyfriend was behind them..." Manipulation can also be seen throughout the book once we find out at the end that the wives of all these millionaires was actually the same person. She would marry one guy and then help kill him. Next, she would get surgery change her appearance and then learn a new language so she could "fall in love" with another millionaire and then kill him.
5. This book would appeal to a broad audience. I think any teenager or adult who likes even a little bit of adventure, action, or mystery would enjoy this book. It was very entertaining. At times it was predictable, but at other times I didn't want to put it down.
June 26, 2014
Very disappointing indeed! Unlike the original Sheldon books where every page is filled with excitement with an extra serving of thrill. And the readers aren't left scratching their heads but blissfully satisfied with his books
So many loose ends and loop holes that it feels like you are banging your head just trying to make sense of the ending.
1) If both Frankie and Sofia pinned blame on each other who was really guilty of manipulation?? Was it really Sofia who was the mastermind behind the killings like Frankie claimed in the courtroom?
2) Why did the jury decide she was not guilty? Why wasn't Frankie given a chance to speak his side of the story?
3) If the motive behind the killing was so Frankie could avenge his fathers walking out on their family to marry a younger woman then why was he, apparently gay, was raping the wives so violently? Was the violence a turn on for him?
4) If it was really Sophia who was the manipulator, then why did she do it? What was her motive?
5) WHO the hell killed Carlos Hernandez and WHY?????? Was it Matt, out of sheer jealousy?
GOSH!!
Sofia, who is supposed to be the "angel of death" is potrayed from the beginning till the unraveling of the mystery as a hypnotizing ravishing goddess that is every freaking man's dream yet this helpless, naive, lost victim of a psycho? How is she the angel of death then when she is not shown to be guilty of even one murder, not even of Carlos'?
Having resided in Mumbai, there were so many geographical mistakes there. Like a local street was named "Marathi" which is the local language and no such place exists o.O Ok seriously, I could have just looked past the huge loopholes that other reviewers have pointed if only Tilly Bagshawe could have told us who manipulated whom? Or whether Sophia was really mentally sick or just a smart psycho(since she pulled up such an intelligent stunt in the end) that would have gladly earned her the title of angel of the dark or death or whatever. She seems like a prop till the end who lives happily ever after. Damn!! It makes me miss Sidney Sheldon <3
So many loose ends and loop holes that it feels like you are banging your head just trying to make sense of the ending.
1) If both Frankie and Sofia pinned blame on each other who was really guilty of manipulation?? Was it really Sofia who was the mastermind behind the killings like Frankie claimed in the courtroom?
2) Why did the jury decide she was not guilty? Why wasn't Frankie given a chance to speak his side of the story?
3) If the motive behind the killing was so Frankie could avenge his fathers walking out on their family to marry a younger woman then why was he, apparently gay, was raping the wives so violently? Was the violence a turn on for him?
4) If it was really Sophia who was the manipulator, then why did she do it? What was her motive?
5) WHO the hell killed Carlos Hernandez and WHY?????? Was it Matt, out of sheer jealousy?
GOSH!!
Sofia, who is supposed to be the "angel of death" is potrayed from the beginning till the unraveling of the mystery as a hypnotizing ravishing goddess that is every freaking man's dream yet this helpless, naive, lost victim of a psycho? How is she the angel of death then when she is not shown to be guilty of even one murder, not even of Carlos'?
Having resided in Mumbai, there were so many geographical mistakes there. Like a local street was named "Marathi" which is the local language and no such place exists o.O Ok seriously, I could have just looked past the huge loopholes that other reviewers have pointed if only Tilly Bagshawe could have told us who manipulated whom? Or whether Sophia was really mentally sick or just a smart psycho(since she pulled up such an intelligent stunt in the end) that would have gladly earned her the title of angel of the dark or death or whatever. She seems like a prop till the end who lives happily ever after. Damn!! It makes me miss Sidney Sheldon <3
September 14, 2025
0.25⭐️
An absolutely atrocious book that was so hard to get through. I hated the sexualization of women’s bodies, and the way the men were written to be brainless morons. The “twists” were the most underwhelming twists I have ever read and you can predict literally everything before it happens. The ending was so stupid and unnecessary; it pissed me off so much! I hated literally everything about this book and I’ve never read a worse one in my life.
If I could give this book 0⭐️ on Goodreads, I would.
An absolutely atrocious book that was so hard to get through. I hated the sexualization of women’s bodies, and the way the men were written to be brainless morons. The “twists” were the most underwhelming twists I have ever read and you can predict literally everything before it happens. The ending was so stupid and unnecessary; it pissed me off so much! I hated literally everything about this book and I’ve never read a worse one in my life.
If I could give this book 0⭐️ on Goodreads, I would.
August 18, 2023
Very badly written. Reading this made me realise that the "breasted boobily" meme isn't actually too far from truth. Eg: "...he couldnt help but notice how beautiful she was, dark-haired and full-breasted with the soft, milky skin of a child." 🤢🤮
Bonus: The city of Mumbai is referred to as Marathi in TWO different pages!! smh
Bonus: The city of Mumbai is referred to as Marathi in TWO different pages!! smh
September 17, 2017
A little bit questions and curious will kept in my mind after I finished the book. Anyway, it was a good book to read.
October 13, 2018
Couldn't surprise me as I knew almost everything. Expected something more.
November 15, 2022
Picked this up in my holiday accommodation, nothing much else to do but struggle thru to the end. Absolute rubbish, how can books this badly written be published?
September 18, 2021
I started this book with a big box of patience ....and the box is now empty!
March 17, 2023
3.5
narration and storytelling is top tier, so are the murders and the characters. I was hooked to it since the first chapter.
But the suspense or the reveal failed to deliver, highly disappointing but until 80% the book was fire.🔥
narration and storytelling is top tier, so are the murders and the characters. I was hooked to it since the first chapter.
But the suspense or the reveal failed to deliver, highly disappointing but until 80% the book was fire.🔥
January 9, 2018
I don’t want to be a spoiler, but the ending of this book really made me mad. It could of ended perfectly, but nooooo, take it a little farther. I actually gave it four stars for the ending. I felt it was a little draggy at the beginning. It was a good book, but the ending!!! Argh!!
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